Arnold Schwarzenegger has opened up about the heartbreaking moment he told his ex-wife, Maria Shriver, about his affair with Mildred Baena.
The 75-year-old actor shared this revelation in his new documentary, “Arnold,” which was released on Wednesday.
During a marriage counseling session in 2011, Schwarzenegger disclosed the truth about his relationship with Baena, leaving Shriver feeling devastated.
In the documentary, Schwarzenegger recalled how the counselor asked a very specific question at Shriver's request.
The question was whether Schwarzenegger was the father of Joseph, Baena's son who was born in 1997.
This question caused Schwarzenegger's heart to stop, and he couldn't avoid telling the truth.
When the counselor asked Schwarzenegger if Joseph was his son, he replied, “Yes, Maria.
Joseph is my son.”
Shriver was understandably crushed by this revelation.
After his affair in 1996, Schwarzenegger initially doubted that he was Joseph's father since Baena was married to Rogelio Baena at the time.
Schwarzenegger explained that as Joseph grew older, it became increasingly clear to him that he was indeed the father.
The challenge then became how to keep this secret hidden.
However, in 2011, Schwarzenegger decided to come clean about the paternity scandal, which ultimately led to the end of his marriage to Shriver after more than two decades together.
The divorce was incredibly difficult for both Schwarzenegger and Shriver, but they managed to maintain a good friendship and close bond for the sake of their four children.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Schwarzenegger described the divorce as a “f–k-up” but emphasized that they have moved on and are proud of the way they raised their kids.
Schwarzenegger even joked about his close relationship with Shriver, suggesting that they deserve an Oscar for doing everything together and minimizing the impact on their children.
Despite the divorce, Schwarzenegger and Baena's son, Joseph, who is now 25 years old, maintain a strong connection.
However, Shriver's children from her marriage to Schwarzenegger, Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher, do not have a relationship with Joseph.
In a podcast interview with Hoda Kotb, Shriver reflected on her life after the affair and how she re-evaluated every aspect of it.
She questioned her own role in the situation and sought ways to improve herself.
Shriver did everything she could to find healing and growth.
While Shriver's children do not have a relationship with Joseph, he remains close to his father, Schwarzenegger.
The complex dynamics between Schwarzenegger, Shriver, and their children continue to evolve as they navigate the aftermath of the affair and divorce.
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